All Forum Posts by: Ruel K.

I totally agree Franco and Matthew. Just never had prospective tenants like this and I want to be sure I handle it that right way.

Let's say you got 2 prospective tenants who tell you that they are undocumented immigrants and have not social security numbers. That will not work when at Smartmove for background check. How do you politely tell them that they have been denied because you can't get a background report?

Thank you for all the comments. Yes, no need to replace if it's not damaged. Those appliances are working. There is a new magneto in the microwave. Excellent points to consider, Andrew. Some other prospective tenants would say hey you're kitchen is really outdated and we're looking to upgrade. I explain to them that it is a rental. This forum is very resourceful!

I have been inundated with emails and texts after I posted it on hotpads.com. One prospective tenant told me the price is a steal for that area. I was just planning on changing the microwave and oven to white or non-stainless.  

I have a townhouse for rent. It was built in 1989. It has new carpets for the 2 bedrooms and new laminated hardwood floor for the living and dining room areas. The kitchen is pretty much outdated. If I replace the updright microwave, oven, and refrigerator to the stainless ones,

 would I be able to increase the rent from $1,900 a month to $ 2,100? Should I upgrade to a granite countertop too? Please advise.

I would like to know what service do you guys use or recommend for doing a background check for prospective tenants in Southern CA. I saw a discussion on using Smartmoves by Transunion but I am not really familiar with it. Thanks for any input in advance.

Update: I have a prospective tenant. It's a family with a daughter. They did not write their SS#s on the rental application form. They have their driver's license numbers. They also left the credit information blank but they did provide a printout of their credit report but its only from Transunion. Any comments would be appreciated. Is that red flag that they did not provide their SS#s?

Hey there Amanda. Welcome to BP. I am new here too and will be doing RE investing full time. There are some networking groups in OC. I have attend one in Laguna Hill that meet every first Thursday of the month. There meetings that are free or charge at the door. I could post the links here but I am not sure what the forum rules are. You can PM me for more info if you like. Good luck!

Ruel

Thanks Marcia! I am putting together my tenant screening guidelines based on your suggestions!

@Meghan - My email is socalsurfer111atgmail.com. Thanks for sharing!

@Meghan, 

I was just browsing this forum then got a notification about your message. I am amazed how active the members are. Those are good pointers, proof of income and and employment history. Do you screen your prospective tenants over the phone before showing a property? I am sure you do that and I was would like to know if you could share me your screening questions and criteria. I had a prospective tenant come in and took only 5 minutes to check the place and had no questions.

Thanks!

Ruel